Response to NEA Funding Announcement by Senate and House
January 6, 2026 — Washington, DC — Today, the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives released final funding levels for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The Creative Coalition commends Congress for maintaining FY 2025 funding levels for the NEA at $207 million and calls on lawmakers in both chambers to approve this funding level when it comes for a vote in each chamber.
“Maintaining stable funding for the National Endowment for the Arts is a vital step toward nurturing creativity, boosting local economies, and ensuring access to the arts for all Americans,” said Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition. “This funding supports jobs, education, and community vitality across the country. It’s a smart investment in our nation’s cultural and economic strength.”
“The Creative Coalition applauds this bipartisan agreement to preserve NEA funding at current levels, but our work isn’t done until it becomes law,” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition. “We’ll keep pushing to protect and grow support for the arts, which drive innovation, heal communities, and contribute billions to our economy every year.”
The House of Representatives is expected to vote on NEA funding as part of a larger spending package as soon as this week. If the bill passes the House, the Senate must also approve the measure before it is sent to the President for signature. The Creative Coalition will continue to engage with lawmakers as new funding for the NEA moves toward finalization.
While today’s announcement marks a positive development, The Creative Coalition will continue to promote the arts to policymakers and oppose any efforts to reduce funding.
CLICK HERE to see The Creative Coalition’s 2025 Anthem Award–winning PSA starring Iain Armitage (Young Sheldon), directed by Michael Chiklis (The Senior, Fantastic Four, The Commish), and written by Emmy-nominee Bill Prady (The Big Bang Theory, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe). The PSA underscores the essential role of the National Endowment for the Arts and illustrates how the arts uplift communities across the nation.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Madison Thomas, PMK Entertainment
Madison.Thomas@pmkentertainment.com
THE CREATIVE COALITION is the premier nonprofit, 501(c)(3) nonpartisan charity of the entertainment industry dedicated to using the power and platform of the arts and entertainment communities in award-winning public service campaigns. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating its members on issues of public importance. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization’s president. www.TheCreativeCoalition.org